Report: Joel Embiid likely to need knee surgery
Joel Embiid is likely to need knee surgery to repair a torn meniscus, according to a report.
ESPN’s Marc Stein reported the news about Embiid on Wednesday.
Knee surgery for Sixers center Joel Embiid is "very likely," according to league sources. Story on the way momentarily
— Marc Stein (@ESPNSteinLine) March 22, 2017
This is an interesting development considering how Embiid’s injury was handled publicly.
Embiid suffered a knee injury on Jan. 20 and has been out since Jan. 27. What was initially believed to just be a bone bruise turned into something more serious after an MRI revealed a partially torn meniscus. The 76ers were initially reluctant to provide a timetable on Embiid’s return to the court, and it was even believed that he would not need surgery.
Apparently that all has changed.
Embiid was declared out for the remainder of the season on March 1 after a scan showed a more pronounced tear. Even as recently as Tuesday, the information suggested that the Sixers still were not sure if Embiid would need surgery.
Told #Sixers have yet to schedule Joel Embiid's left knee surgery. Considering options/treatments & hope to have more info soon. #NBA
— Tom Moore (@tmoore76ers) March 21, 2017
This latest development is truly a shame. Embiid missed his first two seasons because of foot surgeries, but showed how good he is when he finally got a chance to play. He looked awesome in 31 games this season and did enough to have many say he deserves Rookie of the Year despite his limited playing time. He averaged 20.2 points and 7.8 rebounds per game while showing off a great shooting touch and smooth footwork.
Now Philly will have to hope he’ll be ready for the start of next season.